The teams are out and will now observe the national anthems prior to kick-off.
It is the fourth consecutive Copa America in which these two nations lock horns. Chile famously prevailed on penalties in the final of the 2015 and 2016 editions, but Argentina won when they faced off in the third-place play-off two years ago.
It is also Chile’s first tournament under the stewardship of recently appointed Martin Lasarte. For the group stage at least, he will have to make do without talisman Alexis Sanchez, who has been ruled out with a foot injury. Internacional striker Carlos Palacios leads the line in his absence with support from Jean Meneses and veteran Eduardo Vargas. It is a highly experienced starting line-up that also features four of the country’s five most-capped players in Claudio Bravo, Gary Medel, Mauricio Isla and Arturo Vidal.
Lionel Scaloni leads Argentina into a major tournament for the first time since replacing Jorge Sampaoli after the 2018 World Cup. As ever, the former assistant can call upon the irrepressible Lionel Messi, who will hope this is the year he finally lands his first senior international honour. Messi receives support from Lautaro Martinez and Nicolas Gonzalez, while Nicolas Otamendi anchors the defence and Emiliano Martinez wins just his third cap in goal.
SUBS: Gabriel Arias, Marcelino Nunez, Tomas Alarcon, Sebastian Vegas, Felipe Mora, Ben Brereton, Enzo Roco, Claudio Baeza, Clemente Montes, Cesar Pinares, Pablo Galdames, Gabriel Castellon.
CHILE (4-3-3): Claudio Bravo; Mauricio Isla, Gary Medel, Guillermo Maripan, Eugenio Mena; Arturo Vidal, Erick Pulgar, Charles Aranguiz; Jean Meneses, Carlos Palacios, Eduardo Vargas.
SUBS: Franco Armani, Guido Rodriguez, Joaquin Correa, Sergio Aguero, Exequiel Palacios, Angel Di Maria, Marcos Acuna, Lisandro Martinez, Nahuel Molina, German Pezzella, Angel Correa, Agustin Marchesin.
ARGENTINA (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Nicolas Gonzalez.
Both nations will be aiming to make the perfect start in what is the opening match of Group A. Of course, these sides have contested two of the last three finals, with Chile prevailing on both occasions.
Hello everyone and welcome to live text coverage of the Copa America clash between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Nilton Santos.
